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Fister could return to Tigers' rotation Monday

Fister could return to Tigers' rotation Monday

DETROIT -- Doug Fister, who is scheduled to make a rehab start for Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, could be back with the Tigers as soon as next Monday, manager Jim Leyland said.

Leyland and pitching coach Jeff Jones will travel Wednesday to Toledo to watch Fister pitch against Pawtucket. The plan is for Fister to throw about 75 pitches, and if all goes well, rejoin the Tigers to start in Seattle against his former team in the first game of a nine-game road trip.

Fister has been sidelined with a left costochondral strain since April 7, when he threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings and 53 pitches against the Red Sox before being pulled from the game.

His recovery has been a longer process than expected, but after throwing a 50-pitch bullpen session Thursday and then topping that count Saturday, the team is hopeful to see him back on the mound soon.